In need of a VPN, don't want to make a terrible mistake

[cctaylor88]

I think its finally time for me to take the dive and get a VPN for my home/devices. I notice that you "save" way more money when you go with a long term deal (~6-12mo) and seeing as how that is a commitment, I need to make the right choice.

Upon doing a bit of research several website seem to endorse several different VPNs as their goto/endorsed etc.

I really don't know where to begin and would like your input. I thank you very much in advance.

Quick questions. Is a VPN simple to use? Is the speed decrease noticeable? Do I simply open the VPN and then browse the internet as normal? Is there anything that a VPN doesn't "hide" that I should be aware of?

Of note: It has to specifically mask peer to peer sharing if this is an option.

 

[Elixer]

What VPN are you looking at?
Also, as for VPN software, highly depends on the VPN, and the speed also highly depends on the service. Some are fast one day, very, very slow the next.

While a VPN makes things harder to monitor, don't let that fool you into doing things you shouldn't be doing.

About the best you can do is try them for a month, and if you like that VPN service, go ahead and subscribe for the rest of the period.

 

[EXCellR8]

I use Private Internet Access, which is like $7/mo.

with encryption enabled it's very secure, but your speeds will suffer a bit depending on location. other than that though I've never had an issue... think I'm 2 years in at this point or just about.

 

[cfenton]

Upon doing a bit of research several website seem to endorse several different VPNs as their goto/endorsed etc.

Most of those "reviews" are just disguised ads for whichever VPN service will give the best referral kickback. Only pay attention to them if you trust the website they are on.

I also use Private Internet Access. I usually connect through somewhere in Europe (I'm in Canada) and I almost always get my full speed of 150mbps. They have their own client that works fine and supports just about every platform. You can use a third-party client if you want. They support P2P and I've never had any problems on that end. Like Elixer says though, a VPN makes you harder to monitor, not impossible. It makes you higher hanging fruit. I think its enough to foil most routine automated monitering, but it's not going to protect you from a concentrated investigation.

 

[DeathReborn]

I too use Private Internet Access, but before that I used NordVPN and TORGuard with varying degrees of success (mostly consistent speed issues). On a 200Mbit line PIA hasn't given me any issues for about 18 months, including using it in multiple foreign countries on holidays via 3G/4G/WiFi.

This site https://torrentfreak.com/vpn-services-anonymous-review-2017-170304/ should help you pick the most suitable for your needs.

 

[bbhaag]

Take a look at vpn.ac. They offer good pricing, awesome speeds, and have P2P optimized connections around the globe. They also offer a 7-day money back free trial or a $2 for one week with limited service trial so you can test it without making the full money commitment. They take many forms of payment too.

Anyway, I've used them for a couple years now to download and upload binaries to Usenet and have had no issues. I highly recommend them and IMO they are one of the better vpn providers available.